THECB - Program Specialist VI (Government Relations)

Job application must be completely filled out.

General Description:

The Program Specialist will play a key role in advancing initiatives that promote the goals of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This position will support execution and internal communication of government relations priorities. The ideal candidate will have strong communication, organization, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills with an interest in public policy, higher education, and public service.

Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs, the position works closely with agency leadership, and division staff to ensure that key strategic initiatives are clearly communicated, effectively operationalized, and responsive to changing needs. Under moderate supervision and with the ability to exercise sound judgment, the Program Specialist will contribute to the advancement of agency priorities.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinates agency legislative activities, including tracking legislation, facilitating staff input, and ensuring timely sharing of information with internal and external stakeholders.

Assists with preparation of legislative materials such as bill analyses, fiscal information, testimony drafts, briefing documents, and talking points for agency leadership.

Supports the development of information requests related to legislation impacting agency operations and higher education.

Monitors legislative and policy developments and prepares updates, summaries, and briefing materials to keep leadership informed of key issues and stakeholder perspectives.

Coordinates tracking of the implementation of new statutes and supports internal communication regarding policy changes.

Assists in responding to inquiries from legislative and executive offices, ensuring responses are accurate, timely, and aligned with agency priorities.

Prepares briefing materials, presentations, and summaries that translate complex policy and program information into clear, strategic messaging for leadership.

Coordinates project plans, timelines, and deliverables related to government relations and strategic initiatives, ensuring progress and alignment across teams.

Tracks key milestones, performance indicators, and deliverables related to legislative and strategic initiatives, ensuring completion to a high standard.

Facilitates cross-functional coordination by organizing meetings, developing agendas, documenting action items, and following up on assignments related to government relations activities.

Assists with the preparation of recurring reports, status updates, and briefing materials for leadership regarding legislative priorities and strategic initiatives.

Provides coordination and support for the development, publication, and dissemination of reports, studies, and informational materials related to agency initiatives.

Performs administrative and coordination duties in support of government relations operations and special projects.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills or Abilities:

Knowledge of Texas Legislative and Executive branches and their roles, procedures and operations.

Knowledge about news media operations, their material requirements and approach to subject matter.

Skills in editorial concepts and practices.

Skills in using an online legislative tracking system and using a personal computer.

Skills in communicate complex subjects to a generalist audience in writing, oral, and through presentation.

Skills in editing.

Skills in supervisory responsibilities.

Skills in gathering and analyzing information.

Skills in developing PowerPoint presentations.

Ability to display a high degree of diplomatic competence and discretion.

Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.

Ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.

Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.

Ability to travel 20% of time.

Required In-Office Days:

This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office two (2) days per week, with the remaining three days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

Military Crosswalk: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Program Management 

Qualifications

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public administration, public affairs, communications, government, or a related field.

Four years of progressively responsible work in public relations, communications, higher education, and/or state government (e.g. Texas Legislature, U.S. Congress) with at least: 

Experience must demonstrate strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, public affairs, communications, government, or a related field.

Knowledge of higher education.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;

Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones;

Frequent sitting, and

Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Workforce:

Must be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.

Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.

Adhere to the organization's internal management policies and procedures.

Contribute to the agency's performance measures and mission.

Travel occasionally for work assignments and training.

Application Requirements:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board's employment opportunities website at:https://www.highered.texas.gov/careers/.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees' Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

Proof of education and experience listed on the application.

Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.

Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.

Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.

Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.